A collection of old or antique roses is featured on each side of the long walk on the western side of the Herb Garden. Historical roses are defined as those types which were in existence before 1867, the year ‘La France,’ the first hybrid tea rose was introduced.
Several pre-hybrid tea rose categories are represented in this garden: some types are identified in fossil form and others are memorialized on canvas or in ancient literature. Historically, roses have been used for fragrance, culinary, household and medicinal purposes. The virtues of these old roses include beautiful flowers, attractive fruit, interesting form, and exquisite fragrance.
Click below to enjoy images of the Historic Roses Garden.